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February 23, 2025
A newly approved diabetes drug, sotagliflozin, has been found to significantly reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease, according to an international clinical trial led by a Mount Sinai researcher. This breakthrough medication could transform the management of diabetes-related cardiovascular complications.
A Unique Mechanism of Action
Sotagliflozin is a sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT) inhibitor that targets both SGLT1 and SGLT2 proteins, which help regulate blood sugar by transporting glucose and sodium across cell membranes. Unlike other SGLT2 inhibitors, sotagliflozin more effectively blocks SGLT1, providing a distinct therapeutic advantage.
Breakthrough Study Published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology
The study, published on February 14, 2025, in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, is the first to demonstrate that an SGLT inhibitor can provide these unique cardiovascular benefits. This could lead to more widespread adoption of the drug in treating high-risk patients globally.
Evidence from the SCORED Clinical Trial
The randomized, multicenter SCORED trial evaluated the effectiveness of sotagliflozin in reducing life-threatening cardiovascular events. The study enrolled 10,584 patients with type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and additional cardiovascular risk factors. Over an average follow-up period of 16 months, patients who received sotagliflozin experienced a 23% reduction in the rate of heart attacks, strokes, and deaths from cardiovascular causes compared to those on placebo.
Expert Insights
“These results demonstrate a new mechanism of action—combined blockade with sotagliflozin of the SGLT1 receptors (found in the kidney, gut, heart, and brain) and SGLT2 receptors (found in the kidney)—to reduce heart attack and stroke risk,” said Dr. Deepak L. Bhatt, Director of Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital and lead investigator of the study.
Dr. Bhatt emphasized that these benefits are distinct from those seen with existing SGLT2 inhibitors, which are widely used for diabetes, heart failure, and kidney disease. He further noted that physicians now have a new tool to help reduce global cardiovascular risks associated with these conditions.
Implications for Patients and Physicians
The approval of sotagliflozin means that patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease, especially those with existing cardiovascular risk factors, may now have access to a drug that not only manages blood sugar levels but also reduces the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes. This could significantly impact clinical guidelines and treatment strategies worldwide.
Conclusion
The findings from the SCORED trial reinforce sotagliflozin’s potential as a game-changing medication in cardiovascular risk reduction. With its approval, physicians have an additional tool to combat life-threatening complications in high-risk patients, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Patients should consult their healthcare providers before making any changes to their medication regimen.
